national running day.

It's always good when it's national "something you love" day. 

some of my favorites include: 

National Ice Cream Day: 3rd Sunday in July

National Chocolate Caramel Day: March 19

National Beer Day: April 7

but, Wednesday (yesterday) was National Running Day. This day is actually 'good for you'. Even better, right? It's been the best feeling ever to hit the pavement again after having Banks. Let's be honest, I didn't do a whole lot of exercising while I was pregnant ....none that is. Well, maybe a few walks, but that's about it. I savored every scoop of ice cream and every slice of pizza and the 50 plus pounds that I gained while pregnant were the conclusion of my absence of running. 

I'm way too competitive. I know this. So, getting back into running after Banks has made me look at running a little differently. I used to be a  little  a lot quicker. So, I always had motivation to try to set a new PR every time I ran a race. Don't get me wrong, I still would LOVE to have a new PR, but right now I'm just enjoying the art of running. After giving birth to Banks in the old-fashioned, all-natural way, with no pain meds, no IV, no nothing, I was AMAZED at what the body can do. Now, running, I see that not everyone has the ability to run. Maybe, it's just emotional, mom side of me that's kicking in, but seriously, everything has taken on more meaning. 

The world is an amazing place, and running  brings out the best in it. Well, I think so anyways. While running, you can hear your heart beat, feel the earth at your feet, feel the air enter and exit your body, feel the blood rushing through your veins - you feel so ALIVE.

So far, I have a 5K and a 10K under my belt since B was born. This weekend I will run the Gladiator Dash (similar to the Warrior Dash) and have a few 5Ks planned for the rest of the summer. This is just ONE thing I love about Wichita - there is always some kind of race going on. Check out www.runwichita.org to find a list of upcoming races in your area. Most races listed are in Wichita, but some are in surrounding Kansas towns.

I've found that Wichita will be hosting a 1/2 marathon in September and then the Prairie Fire 1/2 and Full in October. I'm thinking the 1/2 might be good training for the FULL. yes, the Full Marathon. I need to mark this off my bucket list. I'm not gonna say yes, yet, but I'm thinkin' about it.... 

I'm keeping track of my runs on runkeeper.com. For anyone who wants to know how far you've ran, how many calories you burned and pace, this web site is great! You can even download the App to your phone. I do forget to record all of my runs, just like I forget to take my vitamin and don't always wash my face before bed - that's my lazy side - but, when I do it's neat to see progress with the running that is being done.

So, in celebration of National Running Day, I ran a 5.25 mile route and bought some new running shorts. Shopping and running go together way too well.